MANILA, July 1 (Reuters) - The Philippines will review all
mines operating in the country, the new mining minister said on
Friday, as the committed environmentalist vowed to determine
whether the industry is hurting the Southeast Asian nation.

Regina Lopez's appointment to head the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources has sent shockwaves through
the mining sector, which fears a nationwide crackdown.

"I'm not against the mining industry but I'm against
suffering," Lopez told reporters on her first day in office as
part of the administration of Rodrigo Duterte.

"I do want to evaluate if the country is safe from mining,"
she told a briefing where videos were aired showing
environmental harm from mining along with testimonies from
farmers and fishermen opposed to the industry.
Continued...